Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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Hi!
I've taken that cute small dog from the street where she was hurt and it broke my heart. Her front leg was damaged and we could see the inside from it. The vet initially planned a 30 minutes amputation, which finally took more than 3hours as it was an old fracture/accident and lots of small bones pieces had made their way up.
She's been living with us for now a bit longer than 6 years, was actually pregnant (and skinny - ~14 pounds) when we got her and got to keep one of her puppies.
She has been super active catching/killing mice in the garden and running after anything that moves. She is now about 22 pounds and we're trying hard to limit her intakes, but we have 3 dogs (4 until 2 weeks ago - and we're all very sad, especially her as he was really close with her) and she tends to go and finish other bowls when there is food in it.... no real surprise there.
So we have no idea of her age but have notice over the past 6 months that getting up, walking/running is getting more difficult. Her back is a bit rounded as well now. She often trips and fall, her daughter plays with her a lot and sometimes gets in the way or makes her fall.
I do feel she is more tired and life is getting more difficult as she ages (don't we all feel the same...? 😉 ). Anyway is there anything specific we should do or care about now as I doubt it's going to get better? I was thinking along the line of giving her some "front wheels" but I'm not sure it'll match her dynamic lifestyle!
A bit of guidance would be nice, or at least sharing experience from people who've had dogs getting old with 3 legs.
Well thank you very much in advance.
Fred
ps: we cook for our dogs, feed them split meals, she runs (a lot?) in the garden after anything making noise, barks plays, and eats normally at this stage.
Hi Fred and pup, welcome. Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away. What's your dog's name? What a fortunate pup to find her way to you and your pack. How is she doing since she lost her best friend? I'm so sorry for your loss, sounds like you are so close to all of your dogs, they are very lucky to have you looking after them.
I'm so glad you posted because there is a lot you can do to help your Tripawd feel better. Getting older as a Tripawd doesn't have to mean feeling terrible and always being in pain. The two greatest things you can do for her is to
1) keep her slim, which I know you're already trying to do, and that's fantastic
and 2) have her evaluated by a veterinary rehab therapist.
These experts can look her over, figure out where her pain is coming from (that hunched back is a common pain signal in dogs). And they can tell you how to help her through specific exercises, stretching, and other fitness activities. The best part? The Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit ! See that link for details. If you'd like help finding a therapist (ask your vet first to see if there's one that they recommend), let us know and we can try looking for you as well.
Meanwhile be sure to check out these posts about senior Tripawd dogs and stay tuned for feedback from the community!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
She clearly hit the Puppy Lottery when you took her into uour heart and your home. I'm so glad uou kept one of her puppies ro add to your crew.
I'm sorry one of your dogs had to head to The Rainbow Bridge recently. I know your hearts are broken. I also know that dog also was lucky to have been loved and cared for by you. And absolutely your tripawd girl misses him too.
As Jerry mentioned, a consult with a Rehabilitation Specialist can do wonders for assessing her and determining a good path forward.
Is she on any pain meds now? Joint supplements? Anti-inflammatory like Rimadyl? Some members have a lot of success with Adequan injections, as well as a pain med called Amantadine is good for arthritis type pain.
In the meantime, try lots of massages up and down her spine, shoulder, neck, etc. Any signs of tenseness? She may also have a tweaked disc or some like that. Regardless, the massages over a dryer warmed towel will feel good and relax any strained muscles.Would .ove to see pictures of her......of all your pack for that matter. Here a link to help you figure out how to do that......adding images .
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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